Ted Comes Home to Chicago

24 March 2004

United’s new low-fare carrier Ted is expanding service to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, United’s home market and largest hub.Ê Ted will offer Chicago-area travelers five daily roundtrips to Tampa, eight daily roundtrips to Las Vegas, seven daily roundtrips to Orlando, six daily roundtrips to Phoenix and four daily roundtrips to Ft. Lauderdale.Ê
Tickets for Ted flights out of Chicago will go on sale on Saturday, March 27, 2004, and the distinct blue and orange planes will begin flying from O’Hare on May 24.Ê Flights can be booked on flyted.com.Ê

“We’re thrilled to be adding Chicago to our Ted schedule,” said Sean Donohue, vice president of Ted.Ê “Ted has been extremely well-received by customers in other markets, running ahead of our initial forecasts in bookings and seats filled.Ê We’re confident that Chicago customers also will welcome Ted with open arms.”Ê In fact, Ted filled approximately 82 percent of seats in its first month of flying, ahead of company forecasts.

“Chicago is a crucial market for United, since it is our largest and busiest hub,” said Pete McDonald, executive vice president - operations.Ê “It is important that we offer our Chicago customers our full portfolio of product offerings, and of course that includes Ted.”Ê

The Ted fleet flying out of O’Hare will feature the popular Airbus A320, each with 156 seats, featuring a 66-seat Economy Plus section with four extra inches of legroom.Ê All Ted passengers can earn Mileage Plus miles for their Ted flights and will have access toÊUnited’s suite of Easy productsÊincluding EasyCheck-In and EasyUpdate.Ê

Ted offers customers a simple and affordable pricing structure with just six everyday fares, as well as promotional fares on selected routes.Ê Specific fare information for O’Hare will be available beginning Saturday, March 27 onÊwww.flyted.com.

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Ted brings a relaxed, casual, and hassle-free flight experience to the low-fare travel marketplace, complete with pre-assigned seating and exclusive onboard entertainment. Ted fliers can enjoy overhead programming called “Tedevision,” which offers an array of selections ranging from music videos and stand-up comedy, to sitcoms.Ê “Tedtunes” is also available, showcasing music genres including dance and club; Latin; kids tunes; Top 40 and home-grown music from Ted destinations.Ê Free, multi-colored headsets are available to Ted passengers, premium food items can be purchased a-la-carte style on flights over two and a half hours.Ê

Ted also offers complimentary beverage service, with premium beverages available for purchase including Ted’s favorites—Foster’s Lager and margaritas.——-